HomeSearch and RescueCoast Guard suspends search for woman swept out to sea near Patrick’s Point State Park

Coast Guard suspends search for woman swept out to sea near Patrick’s Point State Park

Jan 22nd, 2011 · Comments Off on Coast Guard suspends search for woman swept out to sea near Patrick’s Point State Park

USCG file photo

TRINIDAD, Calif. – The Coast Guard searched over seven hours Friday for a woman who was swept out to sea from Dry Lagoon, with negative results.

At 9:35 a.m., today the Coast Guard received a call reporting a woman who had been swept out to sea from the beach that lies between the “Dry” and “Big” lagoons, three miles north of Patrick’s Point State Park.

Two women were walking with their dogs when they were both swept off their feet by a large wave and pulled into the surf by the current. One woman was able to get safely back on land and contact the Coast Guard with the help of a good samaritan.

One MH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter, from Coast Guard Air Station Humboldt Bay, already in the vicinity was diverted and began an initial search within 15 minutes of the report. A second helicopter was recalled and a 47’ motor life boat was launched from Coast Guard Station Humboldt Bay to provide maximum search area coverage.

The State Park Rangers were the first ground party to arrive on scene soon followed by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department, and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The sheriff’s department searched with ATVs in conjunction with the Coast Guard along the shoreline. Assets searched all day prior to suspending the search pending any further developments.

The Coast Guard reminds all those on or near the water that the waters and shoreline of Northern California are extremely rugged and hazardous. Even on a day with beautiful weather, high seas and powerful breaking waves can exist. The Coast Guard recommends checking weather and surf reports prior to activities and leisure on and around the water.